Picture an American storyteller who swapped wrenches for words to bring the roaring 1950s racing scene to life—meet Burt S. Levy! Born in Chicago, this self-proclaimed 'World’s Fastest Novelist' fused his love for vintage sports cars with a knack for storytelling, creating a cult-classic series that captures the thrill of open-road racing. His debut, The Last Open Road, published in 1994, introduced readers to a gritty, glamorous world where mechanics and dreamers chased speed and glory.
Levy’s life is as colorful as his novels. A lifelong car enthusiast, he’s raced vintage cars, mooched rides in legendary vehicles, and spun tales that resonate with gearheads and book lovers alike. His work isn’t just about cars—it’s about heart, humor, and the human spirit.
The Making of Burt S. Levy
Burt S. Levy grew up in Chicago, Illinois, with two big dreams: to write novels that captivated readers and to race the world’s greatest cars. His early years were a whirlwind of odd jobs—dishwasher, motorcycle mechanic, even a stint in a hippie leather commune. Cars, though, were his constant. He ran a sports car shop, worked as a stunt driver for The Blues Brothers, and even had a Rolls Royce taken at gunpoint during a test drive! These experiences shaped his gritty, authentic voice, blending blue-collar wisdom with high-octane adventure.
Levy’s writing career kicked off after years of racing and journalism. His magazine columns for Vintage Motorsport won awards, but it was his determination to pen a novel that led to The Last Open Road. After eight years of crafting, he self-published it, selling copies from racetrack porta-johns with homemade posters. That hustle paid off, launching a beloved series.
Burt S. Levy’s Unforgettable Stories
Levy’s The Last Open Road series is a love letter to 1950s and 1960s motorsport, seen through the eyes of Buddy Palumbo, a New Jersey gas station mechanic. The debut novel follows Buddy’s coming-of-age journey as he dives into the dangerous, decadent world of open-road racing. Critics compare Buddy to Holden Caulfield, praising Levy’s blend of humor, heart, and historical accuracy. The book’s vivid settings—Watkins Glen, Elkhart Lake—immerse readers in a bygone era of Jaguars and Ferraris.
Sequels like Montezuma’s Ferrari, which won a Benjamin Franklin Book of the Year award, take Buddy to Mexico’s wild La Carrera Panamericana. The Fabulous Trashwagon and Toly’s Ghost deepen the saga, weaving real-life events like the 1955 Le Mans disaster into Buddy’s tale. Levy’s short story collection, A Potside Companion, adds hilarious, mostly true tales from his racing life. His style—conversational, witty, and rich with period detail—makes every page feel like a joyride.
Levy’s novels aren’t just for car buffs. They tackle classism, ambition, and love, earning spots in high school and college curricula. His innovative publishing, like funding books with vintage-style ads, broke new ground, proving his entrepreneurial spirit.
Why Burt S. Levy Matters
Burt S. Levy’s impact stretches beyond the page. His novels preserve the spirit of a golden age of racing, when amateurs raced for passion, not fame. Fans at vintage racing events, like Road America’s WeatherTech Challenge, flock to meet him, sharing stories of how Buddy Palumbo inspired their own car dreams. His work has built a tight-knit community of enthusiasts who see Levy as a storyteller and a friend.
Levy’s legacy lies in his ability to make motorsport accessible and human. By blending fact and fiction, he’s introduced new generations to the thrill of the track, earning him a spot in the British Sports Car Hall of Fame in 2023. His stories remind us that life, like racing, is about taking risks and chasing dreams.
- Born: Chicago, Illinois
- Key Works: The Last Open Road (1994), Montezuma’s Ferrari, Toly’s Ghost, A Potside Companion
- Awards: Benjamin Franklin Book of the Year (2000), British Sports Car Hall of Fame (2023)
Ready to hit the road with Burt S. Levy? Snag The Last Open Road and buckle up for a hilarious, heartfelt ride through motorsport’s golden age!